Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. Learn about the energetic, creative people working to ensure every kid has the chance to play—every day.

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ABOUT THE POSITION, In the role of Program Manager, you will assist in the planning and implementation of Playworks’ comprehensive school-based play and youth development programming. You will train and oversee program coordinators and AmeriCorps Members (coaches), maintain strong relationships with school partners, partner with the regional trainer to develop new training for program staff, and facilitate the implementation of any new or modified programming. This is a full-time, exempt position that reports directly to the regional Program Director.

Specifically, you will:

• Collaborate with the regional and national team to oversee Playworks’ programs, planning and implementing school-based programming at elementary school sites
• Manage and support 4-6 AmeriCorps coaches
• Conduct regular program observations & data reviews to ensure high-quality programming
• Support AmeriCorps coaches including tracking hours, organizing and participating in volunteer service activities, encouraging completion of the term of service
• Participate in curriculum development
• In partnership with the regional trainer organize and facilitate staff trainings
• Perform evaluations of coaches and oversee curriculum implementation during the school year to ensure fulfillment of expectations and responsibilities
• Serve as interscholastic/developmental sports league coordinator and contact person and serve as staff liaison to external league stakeholders which includes additional evening hours
• Participate in hiring new AmeriCorps coaches
• Assist in special events, field trips, etc.
• Assist with administrative tasks related to program management  (data collection, paperwork, etc.) and additional areas as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Experience

• Successful experience as a Playworks’ coach or similar experiences such as a background in youth development with a variety of skills and approaches to sports and play
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills with the ability to facilitate small and large group presentations
• Ability to thrive working both independently and within team settings
• This position will require travel to various regional locations, sites may be widely dispersed throughout the city/region therefore daily access to reliable transportation is required
• Requires flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment

Desired Skills & Experiences

• A self-starter with strong organizational skills and proven ability to handle multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to manage, motivate, and develop individuals and a team
• Seek and incorporate feedback easily
• Has great problem-solving skills and demonstrates the ability to see the big picture and manage practical details
• Experience establishing and maintaining relationships with external partners in diverse communities and community organizations with excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong experience with computer and internet-based programs especially online calendar Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and Google
• Project Management experience
• Understanding of equity and willingness to participate in org-wide equity learning

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work, and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer:

• This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Program Director
• At Playworks, our starting salary takes into consideration internal pay equity, geographic pay differential, and robust external market data. We highly value transparency and equity within compensation and therefore are committed to adhering to established compensation pay points. The salary for this position is $55,500.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k) and 1% employer match, employee-funded pre-tax health and child care spending accounts.
• Generous Flex PTO policy with paid sick and holiday leave.

This is a hands-on, creative, playful, and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges, and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply!

Please include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role.
• Resume.
• References will be requested.

 

Typical Physical & Mental Demands: Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier and other office equipment. This position requires sufficient physical ability and mobility to stand for extended periods at times; walk on a school site in various weather conditions; to climb stairs at some sites; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist and, dependent on assignment the employee may occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

 

ABOUT PLAYWORKS, at Playworks we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We are changing the school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills by partnering with schools, districts, and after-school programs through services including digital engagement, on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support play, and consultative partnerships.

We are committed to racial equity, and we make a particular effort to recruit people of color, Indigenous people, gender non-binary people, and people with historically more marginalized identities to apply for open positions. Our core values of cultivate play, center equity, continue learning and collaborate within communities are the foundation of our organization and are infused in all aspects of our work. 

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If that is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities or board service on a merit basis.status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates on a merit basis.

 

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